DEPARTMENT: Library
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Ramiro S. Salazar, Library Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
An ordinance authorizing a Space Use Agreement between the San Antonio Public Library and the Monte Vista Historical Association and accepting a financial obligation by the Monte Vista Historical Association
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a five-year agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association for use of space adjacent to the main building of the Landa Branch Library. This ordinance also accepts annual financial gifts of seven thousand two hundred dollars ($7,200) for the Landa Branch Library to be paid at the rate of six hundred dollars ($600) per month dedicated for the maintenance and preservation of the Landa Branch Library.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio through the San Antonio Public Library has had in place an agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association since July 1994 for the use of space, consisting of a small office and meeting room located in a detached annex adjacent to the main Landa Branch Library (233 Bushnell). The Library Department, with the support of the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees, is recommending the proposed agreement which continues to align the use of the space with the operations of the Landa Branch Library and the mission of the San Antonio Public Library. Furthermore, the space in question is not programmed to be used by the San Antonio Public Library.
With City Council approval, the San Antonio Public Library and the Monte Vista Historical Association will enter into a new five-year agreement which will continue to facilitate the efforts of both parties as it relates to the historical preservation of the Landa Branch Library and serving the Monte Vista Community. The agreement provides for annual financial gifts from the Monte Vista Historical Association throughout the term of the agreement of seven thousand two hundred dollars ($7,200) payable at the rate of six hundred dollars ($600) per month for the maintenance and preservation of the Landa Branch Library. Additionally, the agreement provides a provision for other key stakeholders of the Landa Branch Library such as the Friends of the Landa Branch Library, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the Landa Gardens Conservancy to share the use of the office and meeting space. The agreement will result in added value to the Monte Vista community by facilitating public access to the historical files owned and maintained by the Monte Vista Historical Association and by partnering with the Landa Branch Library to deliver free and open programs related to the historical significance of the Monte Vista community.
The Landa Branch Library, a former private residence located in the Monte Vista Historical District, was gifted by Harry Landa to the City of San Antonio in 1946 for use as a public library. This agreement between the Monte Vista Historical Association and the City of San Antonio is in compliance with the expressed expectations of Harry Landa in the deed for the property.
On March 24, 2021 the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees approved the Space Use Agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association. The Monte Vista Historical Association approved the space use agreement on March 9, 2021. The current five-year agreement (ordinance 16-03-10-0212) expired on March 31, 2021.
ISSUE:
The space use agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association provides an opportunity to utilize a space that is not intended nor currently programmed for public use while also garnering additional resources and support for the Landa Branch Library and the Monte Vista community.
ALTERNATIVES:
The San Antonio Public Library would reevaluate the current relationship with the Monte Vista Historical Association.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The San Antonio Public Library has created a separate Internal Order (804000000204 - MVHA for Landa Branch Library). The revenue collected (four subsequent annual payments totaling $7,200.00) as agreed to in the Monte Vista Historical Agreement will be deposited into the Internal Order for use in maintaining the Landa Branch Library.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the space use agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association.